Published on the 27th October 2017 by ANSTO Staff
Seeing the light: My synchrotron science journey at ANSTO
Dr Richard Garrett (above centre) will discuss the instrumental role he played in the development of Australia’s synchrotron programs, from the early days of the construction of the Australian National Beamline Facility in Japan, to the establishment of the Australian Synchrotron Research Program, culminating in the construction and operation of the Australian Synchrotron, in a Distinguished Lecture on 15 November.
He regularly travels across Australia and overseas to represent ANSTO in projects involving synchrotron science, and other strategic projects such the development of fusion energy at ITER, Particle Therapy, and the search for dark matter.
“There have extraordinary developments in science and technology using the acceleration of particles. I have been privileged to represent Australia’s contribution in this space with global partners and collaborators,” said Garrett.
“I look forward to exploring the progress and achievements made at the Australian Synchrotron while representing ANSTO in my lecture.”
Garrett, who has worked at ANSTO for over 25 years and has a PhD in physics, was recognised with the Award for Sustained Contribution to ANSTO in the 2016 National Science and technology awards.
For 12 years he was Scientific Manager, and subsequently the Facility Director, of the Australian Synchrotron Research Program.
The Synchrotron enables the discovery and research in areas ranging from medical and life sciences, to advanced materials and engineering, environmental science and synchrotron research methods.
Development of new cancer diagnostic agent to be highlighted
Radiochemist Dr Nigel Lengkeek (front row on the left) and Radiochemistry Manager of the National Research Cyclotron Facility Dr Tien Pham (front row on the right) will review the history of the development of an innovative cancer diagnostic agent, MILGa at the Distinguished Lecture.
Lengkeek and Pham and team shared ANSTO’s 2016 Nuclear Science and Technology George Collins Award for Innovation for their contribution in delivering the first dose of the novel nuclear medicine, currently being used in a clinical trial. The SAX/WAX team at the Australian Synchrotron also received the award for another project.
A collaboration was led by Minomic International, who developed the drug, MILGa, based on their characterisation of the ML-38 antibody. ANSTO and Australian pharmaceutical manufacturer Auspep developed the protocols and manufacturing processes for the drug, which is conjugated with Gallium-67 for radiolabelling. Macquarie Medical Imaging and Macquarie University Hospital are conducting the clinical trial.
This achievement represented close to nine months of contributions from a multifaceted team of more than 20 staff from across ANSTO.
MILGa is a radiolabelled version of MIL-38, the antibody at the core of Minomic’s Micheck™ technology, a new more sensitive and precise non-invasive method for detecting prostate cancer.
The approach can be utilised to deliver molecular agents for both diagnosis and treatment. In the phase 1 clinical trial, determining the safety of MILGa is the primary goal, but SPECT imaging is being used to determine if it can locate the sites of tumours.
The presentation will highlight the end-to-end development and clinical supply of MILGa, focusing on the key developments in capability, expertise and relationships (internal and external).
Lengkeek is a radiochemist in Radioisotopes and Radiotracers platform at ANSTO. Currently, he is working on several industry-led projects, while continuing to provide leading radiochemistry research capabilities and training to academic and partners. Nigel strives to improve both the speed and sophistication of radiochemistry research, providing better answers for partners in a more efficient manner.
Pham is the radiochemistry manager at ANSTO’s Camperdown Cyclotron Facility. He collaborates with the research team on development activities to enhance radiotracer production for predominantly user-based preclinical research activities using cyclotron isotopes. This work complements his activities with the GMP team in arranging the production of radiotracers for clinical research to allow the translation of novel, preclinical and non-routine radiotracers to the clinic.
Lecturers: Dr Richard Garrett
Dr Nigel Lengkeek/Dr Tien Pham
Date: Wednesday 15 November 2017 2:00pm
Morning tea from 1.30am
Location: AINSE Theatre at ANSTO
Cost: Free